Barty has yet to drop a set in the tournament and Australia is now anticipating a first home Australian Open singles champion since 1978.
“It’s just unreal,” Barty said after the match.
“As an Aussie, we are spoiled that we are a grand slam nation, and now we have a chance to play for a title.”
‘See what happens’ in final
The first set was over in a flash with Barty using her experience and devastating serve to claim it in just 26 minutes.
Keys, who was playing in her first Australian Open semifinal since 2015, struggled to get started in the match but put up some opposition in the second set.
Despite a few impressive winners from the American, it was Barty who was in total control from start to finish.
The Australian crowd roared after Barty hit the winner at match point as they watched her become the first Australian to reach the women’s single final at this event since 1980.
And Barty won’t be very tired, either. She has only spent just over six hours on court during the year’s first grand slam and has never looked in trouble.
But the Australian won’t be able to take the final for granted given the form of her opponent.
Collins, making her comeback from serious health issues, was impressive against Swiatek and looked ready to compete in her first grand slam final.
The 28-year-old American barely celebrated her semifinal win but, behind a stoney face, said she is excited for the biggest match of her life.
“It feels amazing. It has been such a journey,” she said after the match.
“It is so many years of hard work. Yesterday, I spoke about all the early mornings my Dad would get up and practice with me before…
Source : cnn
